ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 554, 8 July 1909, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

, HIS .MAJESTY'S'THEATRE. Opposition in the* "show" line appears to have little or no effect on the attendances at His/Majesty's Theatre, which house of entertainment seems to maintain its popu-; larity in spite of counter attractions, and the prevailing depression. A new programme submitted last night saw a big rally of pleasure-seekers—more, in fact, , than ; the house could.accommodate, comfortably. -The new list of pictures is a strong one, -• one of the most interesting- films,., being "Ex;Conyict 900," a sensational American drama, in-which a convict is released from prison and goes through various stirring experiences he finally reaches a .haven of rest through the, action of ;i a Banker..-' "Mater Dolorosa,'.' another dramatic; scene, is the story of a peasant's love ;for the coquette of a village, and a mother's sacrifice to give her son his will. An interesting and■• instructive screening 'is "The Resin Industry of the South of France."—The work pommeuces, with an incision being made Jn the trunk of a pine tree, and the -resin' is. collected and poured into a reservoir.in the forest, whence it is conveyed to the works. The following process, until the resin is packed in barrels for .transport, is,faithfully .traced. "Miss Maggy's Fiances" is the story of a .pretty American, and -involyes the choice of the young lady's fiancee with some screamingly funry incidents, and the customary happy ending: "The Derby Race of 1909," in another film which aroused a good deal of interest, but the light does not show it off-to the.best advantage.-; The picture shows incidents on the Epsom course; the crowd, and i the actual race; in which King Edward's horse Minora wins. .''The Deserter" is an exciting military drama, and other good pictures are. "The Burning House," "The Mjsterious Lodgor," "Mysterious Africa," and "A Tax-on Bachelors." The management intend to give a .matinee performance on* Saturday afternoon, at wnich every child will receive a present. THEATRE ROYAL. The lonematograph picture of the WebbArnst race is attracting great interest at the Theatre Royal. In addition to this "star' picture, there is a Rood collection of other films on the programme, including three cmephone records- "My Little "Wooden Hut," "It's the only bit of English that we've got," and "Home Again my Cherry Blossom." The programme will be shown to-night and to-mofrow night, and a change will bo made on Saturday. WEST'S PICTURES. Though it is many years since jest's first visited Wellington, at a time when picture shoTve were not so numerous as they aro at the present, they still retain their popularity, for they may bo relied on to give their patrons an oxcellent entertainment The programme at present drawing largo audiences to the Town Hall is well up to tho mark. A realistic drama with a moral is "Drink," illustrating vftth great faithfulness Emil Zola's novel. Of another class entirely is "A Gay Old Dog," an excellent Humorous film. Added to these is a fine collection of all classes of pictures,! and last, but not least, tho music of De Groen'a vice-regal orchestra. Phe management has thoughtfully arranged for the heating of the hall, which was greatly appreciated last night. OLYMPIA SKATING RINK. , The fascination of being temporarily shod with wheels attracts a 'largo number to tho Olympia Skating Rink nightly. In tho afternoons, too, the floor has many patrons, and learners who wish to avoid falls take advantage'of the hours specially allotted to them. Last evening the floor was cleared for a few minutes while the first heat of the Wellington championship (20 laps) was held. The winner's" trophy is a Bilver hunting lover watch There were four entries in ( the first heat, and, aftor a close race, A and D. Morris took winning places Other heats nil! bo contested later, and various attractions are promised nightly. ' ' "LUCKY DURHAM " "Lucky Durham" is the new play in which Messrs Meynell and Gunn's new English Company, hoaded bj Air. Harcourt Beatty, will make their first appearance in Wellington on July 16' Tho play is from the pen of tho late Wilson Barrett, and was the fast drama he over wrote "Lucky Durham" is described as a drama of thrilling interest, where the stage pictures strike home on the imagination The plans for tho season of seven nights only opens at the Diesden on Tuesday next. "NIOBE." The following will be in the cast at the Opera House on the production of this piece by Miss Hardinge Maltby, in August next, in aid of the Mayor's Relief Fund:—Misses Amy Kane, Elsie Watson, 'Vera Fulton, Rita Simpson, Bertha Miles, and Miss Maltby, who will herself play "Niobo"; Messrs. .V. Rhind, C. W. Tanner, C. H. Lawrence, and Elhce Mills The piece wiu be preceeded by a "curtain-raiser." on tue subject of votes for women. BOYS' INSTITUTE. A concert was given last night at the Boys' Institute.in Arthur Street, when about a hundred boys ,were present—a very enthusiastic audience. Songs were given by Miss Rash, Mr. Donaldson, and • Master Baker; a mandolin solo by Mr. Galloway; a recitation by Master Shorney; and Mr. Howard, ventriloquist, gave a "turn" which was listened to with much delight. ,